Financial security has become a global concern with the evolution of digital payment methods. The use of G-Pay, Paytm, or credit/debit cards for online shopping, money transfers, or paying bills is common. But these provisions have also elevated the risk of cyber-attacks and identity theft. No doubt, consumers enjoy the benefits of paying with ease and convenience, but digital transactions are also vulnerable to various security risks.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways, like firewall solutions, to deal with potential cyber threats and data breaches when paying through digital mediums.
So, here are five tips to follow to remain safe when conducting digital transactions:
1. Avoid saving card details
Whenever you use digital mode for paying bills or online shopping, never save your credit or debit card details. Remember to immediately erase your card details after completing an online transaction. There is always a risk of identity theft when you save your card details or electronic tracking data online for future purposes.
2. Avoid using a public Wi-Fi connection
To avoid any security risk, ensure to use your mobile data or Wi-Fi or install ‘identity theft protection’ software while making online transactions. Public Wi-Fi’s are the soft target of internet hackers to steal the user’s confidential data, like account details or bank details. Whenever you tend to use public Wi-Fi for online transactions, keep these security alerts in mind to protect yourself from evil twin attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, password-cracking attacks, and others.
3. Check the website’s SSL certificate
The SSL certificate validates whether the website is authenticated and safe for digital transactions. A website with an SSL certificate is encrypted using the HTTPS protocol. Never trust websites beginning with ‘HTTP.’ It indicates that the platform is not encrypted for online transactions. The SSL digital certificate confirms server authentication and establishes a secure connection between the client and server.
4. Beware of illegitimate apps
Before downloading any random app from the Play Store or App Store, check the user’s reviews and verification badge to determine its legitimacy. Do not allow the apps to immediately access your camera, contacts, gallery, or SMS. For example, illegitimate apps are unoptimised with too many pop-ups on-screen and consume high battery power in backgrounds if left open. Go to your phone’s settings to immediately delete the apps consuming high power.
5. Install the latest security software and app updates
To stay ahead, update your mobiles, tablets, or desktops promptly with the latest security software. DNS infrastructures are inherently insecure, so hackers or cybercriminals can easily attack them with malware. You need to take full precautions when making online transactions from different devices. Also, regularly updating your apps protects your accounts and devices from viruses.
Final Words
Staying safe is not rocket science; following these simple yet smart tips can protect you from fraudsters and money launderers. You don’t need to buy expensive security software for successful digital transactions. Ensure to use supported phones with reliable Internet leased lines for devices to receive regular app updates and conduct digital transactions.
